Editing Dewey Beach, Delaware

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Dewey Beach, Delaware
| settlement_type    = [[Town]]
| nickname           = 
| motto              = ''Dewey Beach, A Way of Life''

<!-- Images -->| image_skyline      = DeweyBeach.jpg
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = DeweyBeachDEflag.gif
| image_seal         = DeweyBeachDEseal.png
| image_map          = File:Sussex County Delaware Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Dewey Beach Highlighted 1020900.svg
| mapsize            = 260px
| map_caption        = Location of Dewey Beach in Sussex County, Delaware.
| pushpin_map        = Delaware#USA
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_label      = Dewey Beach
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within the state of Delaware

<!-- Location -->| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[United States]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Delaware]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Delaware|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Sussex County, Delaware|Sussex]]
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = [[Mayor-council]]
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = Bill Stevens
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| established_title  = Incorporated
| established_date   = 1981

<!-- Area -->| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_10.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 31, 2021}}</ref>
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 0.86
| area_land_km2      = 0.86
| area_water_km2     = 0.00
| area_total_sq_mi   = 0.33
| area_land_sq_mi    = 0.33
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.00

<!-- Population10000000 -->| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 353
| population_density_km2 = 412.07
| population_density_sq_mi = 1066.47
| timezone           = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
| utc_offset         = &minus;5
| timezone_DST       = EDT
| utc_offset_DST     = &minus;4
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_m        = 
| elevation_ft       = 7
| coordinates        = {{coord|38|41|34|N|75|04|29|W|region:US-DE_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]
| postal_code        = 19971
| area_code          = [[Area code 302|302]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 10-20900
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 213884<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|213884}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|http://www.townofdeweybeach.com/}}
| footnotes          = 
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| population_est     = 
}}
'''Dewey Beach''' is an incorporated coastal [[town]] in eastern [[Sussex County, Delaware|Sussex County]], [[Delaware]], United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the town is 341, an increase of 13.3% over the previous decade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stateplanning.delaware.gov/census_data_center/|title=The Delaware Census State Data Center|work=delaware.gov|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231141632/http://stateplanning.delaware.gov/census_data_center/|archive-date=December 31, 2016}}</ref> It is part of the rapidly growing [[Cape Region (Delaware)|Cape Region]] and lies within the [[Salisbury metropolitan area|Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. In 2011, the [[Natural Resources Defense Council|NRDC]] awarded Dewey Beach with a 5-Star rating in water quality. This award was given only to 12 other locations, one being neighboring [[Rehoboth Beach, Delaware|Rehoboth Beach]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/beach-ratings.asp|title=Testing The Waters: Superstar Beaches - NRDC|work=nrdc.org}}</ref> Out of the 30 states with coastline, the [[Delaware Beaches]] ranked number 1 in water quality in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/de.asp|title=Testing The Waters, Prevent Beach Pollution - Delaware - NRDC|work=nrdc.org}}</ref>

==History==

In 1868, "Rehoboth City" first appeared on a map of Lewes Rehoboth Hundred in Beer's Atlas of Delaware. It is believed that the name was changed to Dewey Beach following the 1898 Battle of Manilla (Spanish–American War) when Admiral [[George Dewey]] became a national hero. Dewey Beach was incorporated in 1981.

The Rehoboth Beach Life-Saving Station (RBLSS), located at the end of Dagsworthy Street, was commissioned in 1878.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/stations/REHOBOTHBEACH.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=May 22, 2012 |archive-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424020921/http://uscg.mil/history/stations/REHOBOTHBEACH.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> It became the Rehoboth Beach Coast Guard Station (RBCGS) in 1915. In 1921 citizens objected to the closing of the station, and it was recommissioned in 1926. The station was decommissioned in 1937 and abandoned in 1946. The original structure was moved to Lewes and became a residence. A replica of the station was built in 1988 which stands today.

==Tourism==
Dewey Beach lies on a small strip of land between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and [[Rehoboth Bay]] and is about one mile long and two blocks wide. Despite its small size and low year-round population of about 300, it is not uncommon for 30,000 to descend upon the town during summer weekends. Numerous [[bar (establishment)|bar]]s and restaurants line Coastal Highway ([[Delaware Route 1]]), the town's main street.

While it has a reputation as a magnet for partygoers in the summer months, Dewey Beach is also a popular [[family]] resort spot, particularly because of its wide, sandy beaches, and many [[hotel]]s, [[cottage]]s, and [[Condominium (living space)|condominium]]s.

As is the case with most beach areas, Dewey Beach quiets down in the off season.

The town hosts the Dewey Beach Music Conference during the last weekend of September. This event began in 2002 and has been a huge draw for unsigned bands from all over the country.

Another popular Dewey Beach event, which occurs every Columbus Day weekend in October, is Greyhounds Reach The Beach, where thousands of rescued [[greyhound]]s and their owners congregate.

Also, the town is the location of the annual East Coast [[Skimboarding]] Championships, in mid-August.

In June, recently graduated high school seniors come to Dewey Beach for [[Senior Week]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Chandler|first=Michael Alison|title=Senior Beach Week: Sex, drugs and crime are on tap, Md. police warn parents |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/maryland-schools-insider/post/senior-beach-week-full-of-risks-for-teens-police-tell-parents/2012/03/20/gIQAhvxSQS_blog.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|date= March 21, 2012|access-date= February 18, 2013}}</ref>

Dewey Beach is also a well-known [[skimboarding]] destination.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bradley |first1=Michael |title=The Skimboarding Scene Is a Staple in Dewey Beach’s Culture |url=https://delawaretoday.com/archive/dewey-beach-skimboarding/ |website=Delaware Today |access-date=March 28, 2025 |date=July 15, 2021}}</ref> Since 2013, it has hosted a stop on the United Skim Tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=2024 ZAP World Championship in Dewey Beach THIS WEEKEND! |url=https://www.zapskimboards.com/blogs/the-zap-skimboards-blog/2024-zap-world-championship-in-dewey-beach-this-weekend |website=zapskimboards.com |access-date=March 28, 2025 |date=August 6, 2024}}</ref>

==Geography==
Dewey Beach is located at {{coord|38|41|34|N|75|04|29|W|type:city}} (38.6928899, –75.0746249).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|0.3|sqmi|km2}}, all  land.

===Climate===
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Dewey Beach has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

{{Weather box 
|width = auto
|location = Dewey Beach, Delaware
|single line = yes
|Jan record high F = 78
|Feb record high F = 86
|Mar record high F = 89
|Apr record high F = 92
|May record high F = 97
|Jun record high F = 102
|Jul record high F = 101
|Aug record high F = 101
|Sep record high F = 98
|Oct record high F = 92
|Nov record high F = 88
|Dec record high F = 77
|year record high F= 102
|Jan high F = 45
|Feb high F = 48
|Mar high F = 55
|Apr high F = 65
|May high F = 74
|Jun high F = 83
|Jul high F = 87
|Aug high F = 85
|Sep high F = 79
|Oct high F = 69
|Nov high F = 59
|Dec high F = 49
|year high F=
|Jan low F = 30
|Feb low F = 31
|Mar low F = 37
|Apr low F = 46
|May low F = 55
|Jun low F = 65
|Jul low F = 70
|Aug low F = 69
|Sep low F = 63
|Oct low F = 52
|Nov low F = 43
|Dec low F = 34
|year low F=
|Jan record low F = −11
|Feb record low F = 0
|Mar record low F = 9
|Apr record low F = 18
|May record low F = 32
|Jun record low F = 40
|Jul record low F = 47
|Aug record low F = 47
|Sep record low F = 37
|Oct record low F = 26
|Nov record low F = 16
|Dec record low F = 0
|year record low F= −11
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.62
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.23
|Mar precipitation inch = 4.40
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.59
|May precipitation inch = 3.72
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.39
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.78
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.73
|Sep precipitation inch = 4.04
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.94
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.66
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.85
|year precipitation inch= 
|source = The Weather Channel<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/USDE0066:1:US
|title = Climate Statistics for Dewey Beach, Delaware
|access-date = March 7, 2018}}</ref>
|date=March 2018}}

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
[[File:2022-07-14 16 40 41 View south along Delaware State Route 1 (Coastal Highway) at Read Avenue in Dewey Beach, Sussex County, Delaware.jpg|thumb|right|DE 1 southbound in Dewey Beach]]
[[Delaware Route 1]] (Coastal Highway) serves as the main north-south road in Dewey Beach, heading south along the coast and across the [[Indian River Inlet Bridge]] toward [[Bethany Beach, Delaware|Bethany Beach]], [[Fenwick Island, Delaware|Fenwick Island]], and [[Ocean City, Maryland]] and turning northwest to provide access from inland points. [[Delaware Route 1A]] (King Charles Avenue) begins at DE 1 in Dewey Beach and heads north into [[Rehoboth Beach, Delaware|Rehoboth Beach]].<ref>{{Delaware road map|year=2008}}</ref> Between May 15 and September 15, all parking in Dewey Beach is regulated by [[parking meter]]s or parking permits.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions - Parking|publisher=Town of Dewey Beach|url=http://www.townofdeweybeach.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.faq&faqTypeID=3&faqCatID=3|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426171638/http://www.townofdeweybeach.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.faq&faqTypeID=3&faqCatID=3|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[DART First State]] provides bus service to Dewey Beach in the summer months along [[DART First State Beach Bus|Beach Bus]] Route 208, which heads north to the Rehoboth Beach Park and Ride and the [[Lewes Transit Center]] Park and Ride near [[Lewes, Delaware|Lewes]] and south to the 144th Street Transit Center in Ocean City, Maryland to connect to [[Ocean City Transportation]]'s Coastal Highway Beach Bus. The route provides connections to other Beach Bus routes and the Route 305 bus from [[Wilmington, Delaware|Wilmington]] at the park and ride lots in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dartfirststate.com/information/programs/beachbus/ |title=Beach Bus |publisher=DART First State |access-date=April 29, 2013}}</ref>

The Jolly Trolley is a private shuttle service that provides frequent transport in Dewey Beach and to neighboring Rehoboth Beach. The service operates daily through the summer tourist season between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day and on weekends in the shoulder season before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jollytrolley.com/ |title=Jolly Trolley of Rehoboth Beach - Rehoboth Beach's original Mass Transit System! |publisher=Jolly Trolley |access-date=April 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jolly Trolley Route Map and Schedule|publisher=Jolly Trolley|url=http://www.jollytrolley.com/PDF/shuttle-map.pdf|access-date=April 1, 2017}}</ref>

[[BestBus]] offers intercity bus service to Dewey Beach from [[Washington Union Station]] and [[Dupont Circle]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], and [[34th Street (Manhattan)|34th Street]] in the [[Midtown Manhattan]] section of [[New York City]] on weekends in the summer months.<ref>{{cite web|title=Delaware Stop Locations|publisher=BestBus|url=http://www.bestbus.com/site/modules/stops/Delaware.aspx?doc_id=4|access-date=April 11, 2017}}</ref>

Cape Water Tours & Taxi operates a round-trip [[water taxi]] service to Dewey Beach from Lewes via the [[Lewes and Rehoboth Canal]] on Friday evenings in the summer months, offering access to dining and nightlife in Dewey Beach.<ref>{{cite web|title=Water Taxi Service Is Available On Friday Nights|publisher=Cape Water Tours & Taxi|url=https://www.capewatertaxi.com/services/water-taxi-service-friday-night-only.html|access-date=December 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231103445/https://www.capewatertaxi.com/services/water-taxi-service-friday-night-only.html|archive-date=December 31, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Utilities===
[[Delmarva Power]], a subsidiary of [[Exelon]], provides electricity to Dewey Beach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.delmarva.com/connect-with-us/about-us/service-territory/|title=Service Territory|publisher=Delmarva Power|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525061222/http://www.delmarva.com/connect-with-us/about-us/service-territory/|archive-date=May 25, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=August 15, 2017}}</ref> Sussex County operates the Dewey Beach Water District, which provides water service to the town, and the Dewey Beach Sanitary Sewer District, which provides sewer service to the town.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sewer and Water Districts Sussex County Operates|publisher=Sussex County, Delaware|url=https://sussexcountyde.gov/sewer-and-water-districts-sussex-county-operates|access-date=February 27, 2018}}</ref> Trash and recycling collection in Dewey Bewch is provided under contract by [[Waste Industries]].<ref>{{cite web|title=To: All Residential Property Owners in Dewey Beach|publisher=Town of Dewey Beach|date=February 14, 2017|url=http://api11.team-logic.com/downloadPubNewsFile.cfm?i=147&t=24&f=202249&file=1|access-date=February 27, 2018}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1990= 204
|2000= 301
|2010= 341
|2020= 353
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref>
}}

As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 301 people, 161 households, and 83 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|876.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,369 housing units at an average density of {{convert|3,986.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 91.69% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.33% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.33% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 3.65% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 2.66% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.33% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 5.32% of the population.

There were 161 households, out of which 9.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.4% were non-families. 40.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.87 and the average family size was 2.45.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 8.3% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 34.6% from 45 to 64, and 28.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $79,471, and the median income for a family was $97,505. Males had a median income of $56,563 versus $39,583 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $51,958. None of the families and 1.9% of the population were living below the [[poverty line]], including no under eighteen and 5.8% of those over 64.

==Government==
Dewey Beach is governed by a Town Council and Mayor.<ref name=bleiweis2011/>  {{As of|2021}}, the town's mayor is Bill Stevens <ref>{{cite web|title=Town Council|publisher=Town of Dewey Beach|url=http://www.townofdeweybeach.com/Town-Council/|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref>

The Town has a full-time police force, whose command staff consists of the Chief of Police and a Lieutenant (assistant chief of police).  The department has no "special units" as do some large agencies, but it does have two officers, a sergeant and a corporal, who are qualified as motorcycle officers.  In addition, the department is one of only a few in the state to have a full-time communications center (dispatch).

During high-activity periods, the department is augmented by additional police officers who are commissioned for those times, such as the summer.  Those officers are fully certified police officers who have the same police authority as year-round officers.

In July 2017, a 73-page lawsuit, which has Town Manager Marc Applebaum, Dewey Beach mayor Dale H. Cooke and commissioners, and Town Solicitor Frederick Townsend listed as defendants, accuses Applebaum of racial discrimination, sexual discrimination, hostile work environment, improper interference with the police department, improper interference with building inspector, improper interference with the beach patrol and improper interference with the Alderman Court.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chancery Court Lawsuit Filed in Dewey Beach Town Manager Case|publisher=WBOC-TV|location=Salisbury, MD|date=July 14, 2017|url=http://www.wboc.com/story/35886092/chancery-court-lawsuit-filed-in-dewey-beach-town-manager-case|access-date=January 1, 2018}}</ref>

During the investigation, Marc Appelbaum remained on staff. In August 2017, several bags were shredded and left in dumpsters at locations away from the town hall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wboc.com/story/36220044/amid-dewey-beach-investigation-shredded-documents-found|title=Amid Dewey Beach Investigation, Shredded Documents Found|first=Madeleine|last=Overturf|website=www.wboc.com}}</ref> Even though several of the accusations were found true and staff intimidation was prevalent, the Town of Dewey Beach separated with Marc Appelbaum. Marc Appelbaum ended up getting $100,000 plus the rest of his salary he would have earned up to March 11, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wboc.com/story/36617907/town-of-dewey-beach-town-manager-reach-agreement|title=Town of Dewey Beach & Town Manager Reach Agreement|first=Taylor|last=Rogers|website=www.wboc.com}}</ref>

==Education==
Dewey Beach is in the [[Cape Henlopen School District]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st10_de/schooldistrict_maps/c10005_sussex/DC20SD_C10005.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Sussex County, DE|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|accessdate=June 15, 2021}}</ref> It is zoned to Rehoboth Elementary School.<ref>Elementary school zoning: {{cite web|url=https://www.capehenlopenschools.com/site/Default.aspx?PageID=3567|title=Boundary Descriptions|publisher=[[Cape Henlopen School District]]|accessdate=June 15, 2021}} and {{cite web|url=https://www.capehenlopenschools.com/cms/lib/DE02211722/Centricity/Domain/536/ES_Feeder_Patterns_21-22.pdf|title=ES_Feeder_Patterns_21-22.pdf|publisher=[[Cape Henlopen School District]]|accessdate=June 15, 2021}}</ref> [[Cape Henlopen High School]] in [[Lewes, Delaware|Lewes]] is the sole comprehensive high school of the district.

{{portal|Delaware}}

==References ==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name=bleiweis2011>{{Citation |last=Bleiweis |first=Jon |publication-date=December 26, 2011
|title=Attorney hired for municipal law issues |newspaper=[[The News-Journal]] 
 |url=http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111226/NEWS02/112260324/-1/NLETTER01/Attorney-hired-for-municipal-law-issues
 |access-date=December 26, 2011 }}</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Dewey Beach}}
*[http://www.townofdeweybeach.com/ Town of Dewey Beach - Official Site]
*[http://members.aol.com/DBPD2000/Index.html Dewey Beach Police Department]
*[http://www.delmarvabeachguide.com/dewey_beach/index.html Dewey Beach, DE Information]

{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
| title  = Beaches of Delmarva
| years  =
| with   =
| before = [[Rehoboth Beach, Delaware|Rehoboth Beach]]
| after  = [[Indian Beach, Delaware|Indian Beach]]
}}
{{S-end}}

{{Sussex County, Delaware}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Beaches of Delaware]]
[[Category:Seaside resorts in Delaware]]
[[Category:Towns in Sussex County, Delaware]]
[[Category:Towns in Delaware]]
[[Category:Salisbury metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Landforms of Sussex County, Delaware]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1981]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Delaware]]
[[Category:Skimboarding locations in Delaware]]